If I were 22: Laura-Jane Foley

#IfIwere22: I’d realise you don’t get a big break – rather a series of breaks

I always believed I was waiting for my ‘big break’ and it never came. And then a friend in broadcasting let me in on a big secret: There is no one single break. Success is a series of breaks and he pointed out to me just how far along I was on that road. Success builds on success. The longer it takes, the longer it lasts and you can’t lose it overnight.

#IfIwere22: I’d rest on my laurels

I move on from my successes too quickly. On the press night for ‘An Evening with Lucian Freud’, I was talking about the next project, plotting and planning away. I didn’t enjoy the success I had and in my desperation to move on I didn’t take up opportunities offered to me – which I should have done. The play could have gone to an off-Broadway theatre in New York but I didn’t want it to run anymore. I wanted everything to be about my next project. You are allowed to rest on your laurels – especially when the show is still on!

#IfIwere22: I’d realise that rejection doesn’t mean you should give up

#IfIwere22: I’d stay in touch

When you’re 22, you’re keen to get out into the world and move on from university. In your efforts to move onwards and upwards, you may forget to keep in touch with your peers. Never forget that the people you’ve spent three or more years growing up with will become exciting movers and shakers in their field. Keep in touch and who knows what projects may come to fruition many years from now.

#IfIwere22: I’d push myself more and be a nuisance

When I was younger, if someone didn’t reply to me, I’d be embarrassed by the rejection and wouldn’t dream of writing again. And yet, I forget to reply to emails all the time. When people write again after a fortnight or so, I’m grateful they’ve reminded me. If you want to get on, be a nuisance and pester. After working with a group of actors after a read-through, one actress kept in touch quite frequently, enquiring what future castings were coming up etc. I was impressed by her tenacity and whilst I’ve forgotten the names and faces of the rest of the group, I can remember her very well.

How can Arts Council England do more to include the voices of people with experience of the criminal justice system? The National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance talks to artist and former prisoner Erika Flowers.